Automobile interior heat vent

ABSTRACT

The invention described herein is a passive air ventillation system for automobile interior heat. The passenger compartment interfaces with short air ducts which open when the interior reaches a certain threshold temperature. The other end of the ducts interfaces with the exterior in places which are not susceptible to rainwater seepage.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] Excessive heat buildup in automobile interiors poses a serious problem. Every year excessive car interior heat kills young children and pets. Excessive heat can also damage an automobile's interior as well as personal property kept in the passenger compartment. While lowering a window can alleviate the problem, doing so makes the car more vulnerable to weather damage and to breaches of security. Furthermore, the cooling effect of cracking a window is only effective when one is mindful enough to do so before leaving the car. This problem has thus far been addressed with patents and technologies too complex and too expensive to be of practical interest to the auto industry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention described herein provides a simple and inexpensive solution to the buildup of excessive auto interior heat. A series of vents are mounted directly to the lower framework of an automobile. When the interior temperature reaches a certain threshold, the vents open automatically by means of electric motors powered by the car's battery. When the temperature lowers to a certain threshold, the vents close automatically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0003] The preferred embodiment places a vent or a series of vents connecting an automobile's interior to the exterior air. The end of the vent that is open to the exterior is to be located in an area that does not permit rainwater seepage. The ideal location would be underneath the vehicle. Since it is preferable to make the distance between the interior and exterior openings as close as possible so as to facilitate air exchange, the air duct between the openings should be no longer than 6 inches. If the interior opening is located in the passenger compartment floor or in the front of the rear seat wells, the duct length could easily be as short as ½ inch. Furthermore, since heat casualties are most likely to be very young children left in the rear seat compartment, placing the vents as close as possible to such an occupant is preferred. The vent or series of vents will be large enough to provide quick equilibration in temperatures between the interior and exterior.

[0004] The location of the vents is of critical importance. They must be mounted in a location that will possess two important characteristics: short and direct access to exterior air and protection from rainwater. It is conceivable that such vents could be mounted on the passenger doors, but this would require vent covers on the exterior air interface to prevent rainwater entry. Regardless of how well designed such covers maybe, they would create an additional source of drag and almost certainly detract from a vehicle's appearance. Furthermore, vent covers would necessarily inhibit, to some degree at least, the vent system's performance. Vent covers will be necessary for the interior air interface of the ducts in order to prevent injury and to maintain an aesthetic appearance. The cover design should minimize air blockage utilizing slits or holes that are as large as possible but still enable the cover to perform its essential function.

[0005] The vents shall be closed and remain closed until a heat sensing device registers an interior temperature of approximately 95° F. At this temperature, small electric motors attached to each vent and powered by the automobile's battery, shall open the vents. When the interior temperature falls to approximately 85° F., the vents will automatically be closed. The electric motors are to be placed on the exterior portion of the air vents or within the vehicular frame so as to protect them from wear and tear caused by rear seat passengers, to minimize noise, conserve interior space, and facilitate aesthetics.

[0006] Whether the air vent is in the open or shut position will, of course, be determined by a valve mechanism within the air duct. The location of the valve mechanism can be placed either towards the interior or exterior end; the location does not matter. If the length of the duct is particularly short, the distinction becomes meaningless. 

I claim: 1.) An air duct or series of air ducts, no longer than six inches, mounted directly into the framework of an automobile's passenger compartment in which one end of the duct or ducts intersects with the automobile interior and the other end intersects with the exterior air. The point of intersection with the exterior air shall include all locations on the side of and underneath the outer frame of the automobile. 2.) An air venting system as in claim 1, in which one end of the air ducts intersects with the auto interior and the location of intersection is the floor of the passenger compartment. 3.) An air venting system as in claim 1, in which one end of the air ducts intersects with the auto interior and the location of intersection is the front of the rear seat wells. 4.) An air venting system as in claim 1, in which the vents are opened automatically through electric motor means when the temperature in the passenger compartment reaches a certain set point and closes automatically by the electric motor means when the temperature falls below a certain set point. 5.) An air venting system as in claim 2, in which the vents are opened automatically through electric motor means when the temperature in the passenger compartment reaches a certain set point and closes automatically by the electric motor means when the temperature falls below a certain set point. 6.) An air venting system as in claim 3, in which the vents are opened automatically through electric motor means when the temperature in the passenger compartment reaches a certain set point and closes automatically by the electric motor means when the temperature falls below a certain set point. 